Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis from canine spleen tissue and its association with renal lesions in dogs

The present study was carried out to detect Ehrlichia canis infection in 40 canines from Mumbai region by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Spleen tissues were collected aseptically from canines presented for post-mortem examination to Department of Veterinary Pathology, Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai. DNA was extracted from spleen tissue and nested PCR was performed to detect 16s rRNA gene of E. canis. Two samples (5%)out of total 40 were detected positive for Ehrlichia canis. There were no appreciable lesions in kidneys in the cases found positive for E. canis. Hence, there was no correlation recorded between localization of Ehrlichia canis in the spleen and nephropathy in the host.